7 Reasons Why Green Tea Is Your Friend
- ciaralitchfield
- Feb 18, 2014
- 4 min read
1. Weight Loss...
People of the UK are definitely fans of a cup of tea, in fact 165,000,000 cups are consumed every day! The tea most often consumed is black breakfast tea (Usually accompanied by milk and sugar... and maybe a biscuit) but should we swap this for a healthier alternative? Green tea has been highlighted as the better tea to drink due to is antioxidant content. The antioxidants present in green tea are known as catechins and you can get 20-35mg per cup. These antioxidants help the Liver to function more efficiently which means metabolism speeds up. An American study found that 3 cups of green tea a day burned 200 calories extra in a group of men who made no other changes to their diet or lifestyle. The tea also saves calories as there is no need to add milk or sugar like many choose to do with black tea. Drinkers of green tea have also been found to have more energy so why not swap your morning black tea or coffee and see what health benefits you may achieve.
2. Cardio vascular system aid...
Our Cardiovascular systems are put under serious strain when we consume high fat diets and don’t do enough exercise. We all know we should steer clear of saturated fats and get our physical activity up but there is another way to give our CVS a helping hand. A good blood profile is considered to be one with low LDL (bad cholesterol) and high HDL (good cholesterol). When LDL is oxidised it damages our blood vessels and may cause blockages. Once are veins and arteries are damaged in such a way the risk of high blood pressure increases as the blood has to force its way through the inflamed passage ways. After a while this pressure can lead to strokes and heart attacks. Green Tea is the hero of this piece as the antioxidants present prevent the oxidation of LDL thus preventing the cascade of this damaging process. The tea also possesses calming qualities allowing us to relax and natural reduce heart rate. Scientists and doctors have treated high blood pressure with Aspirin for yours but researchers have found that green tea is just as effective at preventing damage.
3. Protection against diabetes...
With the prevalence of obesity increasing with it Type 2 Diabetes follows. Diabetes is a devastating disease which cannot be cured, only managed. With more and more people eating bad diets full of sugars and fats the amount of sufferers is becoming more and more. Some people are born with the condition (type 1) and spend their lives in constant managment. Diabetes UK has predicted that treatment of type 2 diabetes alone will bankrupt the NHS by 2050. One way of protecting yourself is to drink Green Tea! Type 2 diabetes is caused by high levels of glucose being present in the blood. This glucose comes from our food. When we eat carbohydrates the starch present is broken down into simple sugars which quickly enter our blood stream. This Process is catalysed by an Enzyme called Amylase. The polyphenols in green tea inhibit Amylase preventing the break down, this in turn lowers the levels of sugar in the blood which, with insulin, predisposes people to developing the disease.
4. Help to prevent food poisoning...
Green tea is most famous for its antioxidant content. But did you know that it is also antibacterial? Drinking a cup of green tea with meals can reduce the risk of bacterial food poisoning as any bacteria present is killed before it’s digested. It’s also good to have a cup when you’re feeling bit nauseas or hangover as the tea can help to restore your body’s levels of good bacteria by promoting growth of bifidobacteria which is friendly and killing off the bad ones such as E.coli.
5. Prevent bad breath...
Its common knowledge that dentists don’t recommend sugary beverages, black tea or coffee when it comes to dental health however tea may not be a no go in all areas. Green tea can prevent bad breath and the formation of oral cavities due to its anti bacterial nature.
6. Protect against cancer
Cancer is a horrible disease that affects so many people. We are always hearing about new preventative measures to protect ourselves against the disease. There is increasing amount of evidence pointing to a compound named EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) as a possible aid. When cancer cells form they can quickly develop into tumours by tricking our bodies into prioritising their well being over the rest of our cells. One way they do this is by creating their own blood supply which draws nutrients too it aiding its growth and reducing the energy of the sufferer. Research suggests that EGCG may inhibit the growth of these blood vessels stopping the rate of growth and cutting off its food supply. The problem is that EGCG is available from limited plant sources the best of which are known to be teas. Green and Oolong teas are the best sources, incorporate them into your diet for a host of health benefits.
7. Lowers Blood Pressure...
High blood pressure is caused by various factors, one of which is the presence of an enzyme called ACE (angiotension- converting enzyme). The presence of ACE in the blood causes the blood vessels to restrict narrowing the passage for blood to get through thus rising pressure. Green Tea has components which inhibit the ACE enzyme so that its effect is lessened and the passage for blood inst so restricted. This lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of damage to blood vessels.
